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I Merthyr Notes.
I Merthyr Notes. Street Accident. "<0" t- Mr. U. Shirley, Upper ILlizaoetn-street, lJoW- lais, was struck upon the head on Saturday night by a window panel weighing about 56 lbs. which fell from the third floor of the premises of the Dairy Fed Pork Co., in High-street, MeT- thyr. The window was blown off its hinges by the high wind. Incorrect Scales. Joseph Barton and Sons (Ltd.), Nottmgham, (the Incua an China Tea Co., Pontlottyn) were nned tie maximum penalty of £ 5 at Merthyr on Friday for having scales not correctly bal- anced, and 10s. for having the machine un- stamped. Boys on the Land. Merthyr Guardians on Saturday re-considered their decision to keep boys at the Trecynon Homes awaty from school to cultivate gar- den plots attached to the institution, in spite of the refusal of the Aberdare Education Author- ity to exempt the lads temporarily from school attendance for this purpose. It was reported that the superintendent of the homes had so far only detained six youngsters over thirteen from school for two days. The guardians de- cided that no more lads should be kept from school, and the clerk (Mr. F. T. James) was asked to communicate the decision to the Aber- dare Education Committee. Co-opted Guardian. Merthyr Guardians have co-opted ex-Alder- man David Evans as a member of the board upon the resignation of Mr. A. J. Howfield, J.P. Will It Be Transferred. The Merthyr Housing Committee on Tuesday decided to write enquiring whether the trustees of the Penydarren Garden City Scheme were prepared to negotiate for the sale of the pro- perty to the Corporation. Deputation to Aberdare Cottage Flats. The Aberdare cottage flats, which at first were opposed strenuously by the Labour Party there, but have subsequently proved most satis- factory, are to be inspected by a specially ap- pointed Committee of the Merthyr Housing Committee, and to report back to that Commit- tee on the flats, with a view to a consideration of the advisability of constructing the proposed new scheme at Gellifaelog on the same lines. At the same meeting that will receive the report, revised plans, embodying the suggestions of the Local Government Board officials will be brought forward, with a view to arriving at some definite scheme. A Nice Contribution to the Red Cross. -11 ro 1- The local Red Cro-ss .bund will penent to tne extent of £ 32 7s. Sd. as the result of the charity Hughy football match played on Peny- darren Park on Easter Monday. The total re- ceipts from tickets sold, gate money, and dona- tions amounted to £ '61 lis. 8d., and the expendi- ture £ 29 4s. The heaviest items in expenses were railway fares, luncheons and teas to players, and tax stamps. Taking into considera- tion the bad weather, the result is most satisfac- tory, and by the time this is in our readers' hands the balance, tV, 7s. 8d., will be handed over by Mr. Oliver Evans, hon. treasurer, to Mr. Kenshole, Aberdare, the hon. treasurer of the Local Red Cross Fund. Mr. Wyndham Jones, Merthyr Vale, an old Welsh Interna- tional Rugbyite made an excellent and faithful chairman of committee, and Mr. Jack Jones, of the" Old Thursdays," was an energetic secre- tary. Solicitor Soldier. -1 Private J. B. Davies, a local solicitor (son or Mr. John Davies, of Messrs. Gwilym, Charles, James and Davies) who joined the R.A.M.C. about 18 months ago, and for the past eight months has been serving in France, has been in action several times. When last heard of recent- ly he had returned from the front line and was billeted in a cellar of what had been a house in one of the ruined villages.
Swansea Valley Notes. I
Swansea Valley Notes. I A Ministerial C.O.'s Trial. I The Pontardawe Police Court was crowded last Friday when Gethin Davies, a ministerial student of Ystalyfera, was charged as an ab- sentee under the Military Service Act. Mr. Davies is a conscientious objector, and a mem- ber of the N.C.F., and at the court he made a splendid speech in his own defence. He com- menced by contending that as a theological stu- dent in immediate preparation for the ministry, he was, according to an Army Council Order, totally exempted from military service. Also, he had lodged an appeal at the local Tribunal, which appeal had been endorsed by the clerk,foral re-hearing, therefore he had an appeal pending. "Bu," he said, "I am here as a conscientious objector. I am here as a victim of the malad- ministration of the Military Service Act. The Act provides absolute exemption for persons holding a conscientious objection to military service, and my calling is sufficient proof of my genuineness, because war is incompatable with the Gospel of Christ. I have with me thirteen letters from local ministers testifying to my sin- cerity. I know that this court is not the place to determine the genuineness or otherwise of conscientious objectors, but I want to appeal to you, gentlemen, to view my case from the na- tional as well as the legal standpoint. What is taking place to-day? Men appeal at the Tribu- nals for exemption they are deemed not genuine and are refused exemption. They are then ar- rested and taken to military camps. They refuse to obey military orders; are cburt-martialled and sentenced to imprisonment. After spending some months in prison they are taken before the Central Tribunal. Here they are deemed genuine and are allowed to go out to do work of national importance. All this means a tre- mendous cost to the Government. I am willing to do work of national importance; in fact I have been working on a farm for some time, be- sides following my Sunday duties of preaching the Gospel. I am not going to undertake any form of military service. Christianity tells me that war is wrong and therefore I will not take part in it. I will not fight. I am prepared to ,nee d s of the people in minister to the spiritual needs of the people in these times of stress and misery, which I consider is far more important than picking oakum or sewing mailbaga in a criminal prison. I have not come here to seek favour or mercy, but I have come to get justice, and justice I trust I will receive. I am here through the mal-admin- istration of the Tribunals, and if you, gentle- men, do not wish to support the persecution of those who follow the dictates of conscience, you will dismiss this illegal charge against me." The Bench was not long in coming to a de- cision. The chairman stated that they were ob- liged to, earry out the law, and the defendant would be fined t2 and handed over to the mili- tary. The two Labour (?) members of the Bench did not seem to note anything wrong in I the decision, for they acquiesced in it witlÏout i the least protest or question. Gethin was taken to Swansea by the 4.20 trafn. and was in high spirits and full of deter- mination.
I Tonyrefail Notes.I
I Tonyrefail Notes. 1  Good Meeting at Coed Ely. A joint meeting of the Coed Ely, Tyiac jach, and Cilely 1' workmen was held last Sunday after- noon at the New Cinema to receive the dele- gates' report of the Conference, and to discuss and decide on a mandate on the question of the comb-out of the miners. Mr. Frank Russell (Cilely) presided. In his opening remarks he made reference to the forces at work that pro- posed to close the halls against all kinds of meet- ings excepting religious meetings) held on Sun- days. He asserted that such action on the part of any body or sect, would be protested and fought against, if such restriction was forced. Already the concerts, which had proved a source of help and comfort to the boys in the trenches, had been stopped. Later in the meeting several enthusiastic expressions were delivered in sup- port of the above, and a resolution was moved and carried unanimously against the proposal and action. The interference of any body of public ser- vants or administrators or any sect of a narrow outlook, with the liberty of assembly for any legitimate purpose, is beyond toleration, and ib is for organised labour to see that such interfer- ence with their liberty and right is not per- mitted. This should open the eyes of the general body of workers to the danger of exposing our welfare, to any representation not of our own class on the local administrative bodies. That is one of the safeguards. Another to erect is that if the workers had the wisdom to erect a workmen's hall for themselves thej would be able to hold meetings without any interference. Such could be erected in a central place, and for every colliery jointly to participate. Why should we lag behind? The report of the conference was chieflv given by Mr. A. Jones, Coed Ely. He succeeded in giving a very lucid and vivid impression of all that transpired at the conference, especially on the question of the comb-out. Views for and against were freely exchanged. The result being a majority in favour of the Executive Council recommendation. A resolution in favour of pro- hibition from the .Free Cli-LLrch Council of Wales, was submitted to the meeting. Again free ex- pressions for and against were given. Some were in favour of sacrificing their beer for the country's welfare, and others wish to have it as long as they possibly can. There was a strong suspicion against the source from where the re- solution came, and a feeling that the motive was not really a question of bread versus beer, but an exploitation of the times so as to advance a propaganda of strict temperance, and that it was one of those attempts to deprive the indi- vidual of his liberty of choice in the matter. There were several who did not vote, and the resolution was defeated. There were many who were practically and absolutely abstainers who voted against, and some who liked their beer voted for prohibition. Apparently only rare ex- ceptions were in favour of their own appetites. One other item of importance is worth record- ing. It was decided unanimously to appoint a joint sub-committee to arrange for the coming winter a series of lectures by prominent Trade Unionists and Labour Leaders. This will surely .V ,rs. This will surely prove to be of great benefit to the workers, and will undoubtedly be the means of creating in- terest and an education. Annual Preaching Meetings at Ainon. I On Sunday, the 29th ult., the above church held its annual preaching meetings, when the Rev. Herbert Morgan, M.A., of Bristol, occu- pied the pulpit. He delivered three powerful and intensely practical sermons to crowded con- gregations. But of the three the most remark- able was delivered at the evening service. In the course of his sermon he referred to the pre- sent day civilization, showing that it was utterly immoral and unchristian in its nature. The machinery of the past and also of to-day had been the most inhuman and cruel thing imagin- able. He voiced a severe indictment of the policy which the European nations had adopted—secret treaties, secret diplomacy, commercial rivalries, imperialism, etc., which had brought about this fearful tragedy. In his opinion, what we called civilization—but in reality pure paganism is in the meIting-pt-has utterly failed, and must pass away to be replaced by a civilization built on equality and love. Christianity does not re- cognize race, language nor col our, and does not prefer one race to another. We congratulate the above minister for his courage and the out- spoken manner in which he spoke.
Briton Ferry Notes. I
Briton Ferry Notes. I Congratulations. Congratulations to Mr. George Davies (La. I bour) on his promotion to the chairmanship of I the local Urban District Council. I Anniversaries. I The anniversary services of Rehoboth Baptist Church were held on Sunday and Monday, May 6th and 7th, when the Rev. W. S. Jones (Llanyfed) and J. Jubilee Young (Solvq,) offi- ciated. The anniversary services of Jerusalem Baptist Christian Endeavour Society were held on Sunday, May 6th. At the morning service papers were given by Messrs. Donald Gibbons and Thos. Jones. At the evening service a mis- cellaneous programme, consisting of solos, duets, etc., was rendered under the chairmanship of the president--N,fi-. Christopher Way. Internment. I The funeral took place on Monday of Mr. Davies-" Davies the Hawker." Deceased had been ill for some time. The Rev. R. Powell officiated. On Tuesday last the funeral rites of lVIr. A. Bury were conducted with military honours. The deceased was a member of the local V.T.C. Salem Concert. I On Thursday at Salem Baptist Chapel a con- cert took place. Neighbouring artistes took part. Also the Briton Ferry Juvenile Choir, un- der the leadership of Mr. Jas. Jones, rendered selections. Cut Both Ways. I A smart bit of repartee happened at a local works recently. The boss," invested with the new powers vouchsafed to him, under the regime of Industrial Conscription, began to swagger a bit. "Look here," said he to one of his em- ployees, "you are not the only b- pebble on the beach." Like a shot from a gun came the retort, And you forget, you are not the only b-- beach."
I Bargoed Notes. I
I Bargoed Notes. I I R.O. Exonerated. Mr. S. Jones, relieving officer for the Bar- goed district, was exonerated by the Merthyr Guardians on Saturday of the charge of harsh- ness to an old woman receiving out-door relief. It was stated that the latter had not attended the meeting of the committee to which the mat- ter was relegated to support the complaints at- tributed to her.
Gorseinon Notes.I
Gorseinon Notes. Tramp, Tramp, Tramp. I am sure it was very encouraging to the Llanelly comrades to see so many,, Gorseinon rebels at their public meeting last Siinday. The lads were determined to walk the whole hog to show their colours and protest against the gov- ernment in not releasing Dan Griffiths. When our detachment arrived at the square the Rev. Jno Evans (the chairman) had commenced his remarks. He discribed the purpose of the meet- ing. Referring very often to Dan Griffiths, who had on many occasions sacrificed his leisure mo- ments to educating the workers. Bob Williams was in his usual element, hitting the Welsh Prussian very hard-" a Knock-Out blow every time, Bob did not mince matters in de- scribing the Tribunal and Police-court farce. Mr. S. O. Davies, B.A. (Tumble) addressed the meeting in English and Welsh, and, indeed, S.O. had a splendid reception. One could not help admiring the interest taken in the meeting by soldiers, officers and police. The chairman put the resolution'to the meeting, and on oath I swear that there was not one who voted against the resolution. But I must be frank in stating that the organizers themselves spoiled the effect of the whole meeting, there were small tables upon wheih were petitions for all to sign. It was after the thousand people dispersed we found the tables by the wagon. The tables should have been placed in a position so that as the people left they could sign. Anyhow, the Gorseinon N.C.F. boys were all alive with "Pioneers," "Heralds," fourteen dozen pam- phlets, and a thousand or two leaflets, they all came marching home, Twin Tylydu singing "Sold Out." I now apologize to Gorseinonites who did not have a "Pioneer" or "Herald" last week. And Llanelly asks me through the "Pioneer" how can they get an J.L.P. in Llan- elly. Ah, my Rogerite, you want to organize your forces, you want to be more daring in your movement. Get into the six or ten members that bond of fellowship which is inseparable, and you will sell and distribute anything. Do you know that there are few people who know that there is an I.L.P. in Llanelly. When I accom- panied Mr. and Mrs. Hudson to your place one Sunday there were four I.L.P.ers to back up the meeting. Now, my comrades, rally around, stand or fall together. But there, a Socialist cannot fall once lie has a hold on the real thing. The Combing-Out System. If there is one system more scandalous than another it is the, system that firms have of comb- ing out. At one of our works there are mill-men who have spent the best part of their lives in the tin-plate trade; men who have wives and three, four or six children dependent upon them, and these very men are replaced by tinplaters of military age coming from Pontardulais, Garnant and elsewhere. It is encouraging to know that the Grovesend men are not going to allow this. One of the Unemployed. It is very sad indeed to witness the men who are conscientious objectors who were employed at the Mardy works, now on the road, because they refused to enrol at the Labour Exchange. These are the real type of C.O.s, prepared to fight to the bitter end for that which they be- lieve is right. Every man unemployed is at- tached to the N.C.F. (local). = CHUM. I
Clydach Notes.I
Clydach Notes. I Labour Demonstration. I Trades Unionists from all parts of the Swan- sea Valley attended a big Labour Day demon- stration at Clydach. Headed by the Calf aria Band and the workers of the Mond Nickel Works, carrying a huge banner, the procession marched through the principal streets of Cly- daeh and afterwards assembled on Newbery's Field. Here fine speeches were delivered by the Rev. George Neighbour (Mountain Ash), Coun. Jack Evans (Maesteg), Meth Jones, D. J. Mor- gan (Institute of the Blind), and Tom Jeremiah (Glais). Mr. Edwin Thomas (Glais), presiding, referred to the recent strike of the Mond Nickel workers members (945) of the Workers' Union. He was glad to have the opportunity of congra- tulating them on their orderly conduct and the very fine way they conducted their business, which was a lasting credit to the officials of the branch. The demonstrations during the last two weeks was an eye-opener to many. The Rev. George Neighbour, who was heartily greeted gave a brilliant address on the present and future position of the workers of all lands, and urged the workers of Clydach to push for- ward to the goal and to stand by those whose lives we-ro given to the call of democracy. Mr. D. J. Morgan, who spoke mainly on the war, advocated peace by negotiation. Councillor Jack Evans thought the time was approaching when organised labour should be heard. Industrial revolution was the only hope for the workers.
Pentrebach Notes. I
Pentrebach Notes. I Welsh Drama. I At the New Hall, Pentrebach, on Monday, the Zion Dramatic Society gave an excellent per- formance of the popular Welsh drama "AI y Groesffordd," by Mr. J. Berry, at the request of the Queen Mary's Needlework Guild, Pentre- bach Branch. There was a very good attend- ance, and an appreciative audience for a. May evening. Mr. Wm. Lewis, of Abercanaid, gave an excellent portrayal of the ministers character of "Parch Eifion Harris," while Messrs. Ben James and Thomas Lewis, as Richard Davies (Die Betsi) and Garaed Jones, filled the char- acters to the brim. Nel Davies and Marged Har- ris were impersonated by Madame Webber Lewis and Miss Sarah Jones, both ladies deserves to be specially complimented for their good act- ing, elocution and facial expression. The climax in the third act was reached with great effect, the audience being dead silent, which assisted all three chaTacters-Eifion Harris, Marged (his sister), and Nel (Die Betsy)—to do their parts with a professional efficiency. The performance would have been incomplete without the splen- did acting of the minor parts, which were filled to the brim by Messrs. Geo. Lewis, Wm. Jones, Evan Jacob, Thomas George, Robert Saunders, John James. Mr. David Morgan carried out the work of stage manager. His ability in this direction is well appreciated. The Mayoress who presided, moved a vote of thanks to the party and all who assisted in the evening enter- tainment, referring in a short speech to the good work done by the Guild and her apprecia- tion of the Society's good performance. Mrs. Green seconded in the Welsh language, follow- ing the lines of the Mayoress, and expressing her appreciation of the Party's able portrayal of Welsh characteristics. Mr. Ben James moved a vote of thanks to the Mayoress for presiding, and Mr. Evan Jacob formally seconded. Both motions were carried with applause. Miss Sarah Jones sang "God Save the King to conclude an evening's enjoyment. I t
f CORRESPONDENCE. I
f CORRESPONDENCE. I I ADULT SUFFRAGE OR PARTIAL SUFFRAGE? TO THE EDITOR. Dear Sir,—The war has wrought such vast changes that practically everyone agrees that a new system of franchise and registration are in- evitable. It is very desirable that the franchise should be put upon the basis of every man and woman possessing the vote. This is the only sys, tem which receives popular support. Almost every other system is bound to provoke so much opposition that, after prolonged controversy, the attempt to pass it would be wrecked. But 011 the adult basis of enfranchisement, there can be, and I think, will be, enough unity to pass a strong and satisfactory bill, which may form the adequate starting point for the many re- forms which the war will force upon us. That women should receive the vote is scarcely any longer in question; but the terms on which they will receive it depend largely upoir The supporters of Woman Suffrage. There is some danger, however, that these may be in sufficient- ly united and, above all, insufficiently convinced of their own power. It is positively dangerous for any section of them to accept some small un, satisfactory instalment of Woman Suffrage for fear lest the anti-suffragists persuade the Gov- ernment to leave women out altogether. In the second place, the urgency of the problem makes the Government absolutely bound to bring in some measure of Franchise reform. What is the use of accepting a timid compro- mise which enfranchises only four million out of fourteen million of those women who get their own living? The proposal that women must be owners or tenants, or wives of owners or tenants, bars out masses of working-class women-the very women who most need representation, and who have that first-hand eperience of the strug- gle for existence which would impel them to bring to the question of the vote thought and consideration based on the importance to them that the right things should be thought and done, and the right measures enacted. The bringing in of a bill which satisfied a solid and powerful body of supporters of Woman Suf- frage would provide the nucleus of a majority strong enough to pass a Franchise measure ade- quate in all other respects—and to pass it promptly, without holding up the progress of the, country after the war by an interminable controversy. I invite members of all parties to consider these points and to recognise their ex- treme importance.—I am, etc. AIJICE M. BtreH VN. Gam age Hall, Dymock, Herts, May 4th, 1917. COMBING-OUT." TO THE EDITOR. Sir,-Hy a curious anomaly the South Wales miners were pacific during the passage of the Conscription Bill in the House of Commons (see report of the Trade Union Congress at Bristol) and thereby tacitly agreeing to the Bill be- coming operative. It is interesting to note that after hearing so much of the doctrine, "That the workers interests- are identical," they were prepared to sacrifice their fellow Trade Union- ists while they themselves were exempted from the Act by being placed in a certified occupation. Nothing so mean and cunning has happened within the Trade Union movement during the period of the war. It is evident that it doesn't need the D.O.R.A. to curtail our civil liberties, while the most powerful organisation in South Wales, the S.W.M.F., are prepared 'to bargain away their birthright. For the successful prosecution of the war the time has now arrived when the military authori- ties require more men, and it is proposed that the miners should render assistance to the Army, therefore giving them an opportunity to put into a practical form the, moral support given to the Conscription Act. With regard to the "Comb- ing-out System I think that the decision of the M.F.G.B. is the only sane and logical one in view of the previous attitude taken up by the miners. At the annual conference of the S.W.M.F. held at Cardiff on the 30th April, 1917, the delegates refused to accept the recom- mendation of the Executive. Anyhow, after a full debate on the question, they found that they were up against it, and failed to find a solution other than to refer the matter bade to the Lodges. The action of the delegates in referring the matter back to the Lodges, and that a ballot of the whole of the men should decide the issue, is ridiculous, and to say the least of it, is grossly unfair. What right have the majority to vote upon the proposed scheme to determine the des- tiny of only a small minority, who would be af- fected. Also it is unnecessary for a ballot to take place, for this reason, that if the men who will be affected, should the proposed scheme become operative, are conscientious objectors, full pro- visions are already in existence in the Military Service Act. If, on the other hand, they are prepared to render the assistance asked for, the question automatically settles itself. In conclusion I may say that it is time that the S.W.M.F. came to a, definite decision with regard to the war. If they are in favour of its continuance, cease quibbling, and show it by giving of their best in meeting the demands that are made upon them. If they are not in favour of it, then for God's sake say so and act accord- ingly, by rising their influenc to bear upon the Government to bring about a ^settlement by ne- gotiation, instead of the brutal fashion now in vogue; by so doing, they, would be rendering a service not only to this coflntry, but to human- ity.—Yours, etc., Oi-i) MINER. I
I RHEUMATISM- KIDNEY TROUBLE.…
I RHEUMATISM- KIDNEY TROUBLE. I Rheumatism is due to uric acid crystals in the joints and muscles, the result of excessive uric acid in the system that the kidneys failed to remove as nature intended, and this acid is to a great extent the cause of backache, lum- bago, sciatica, gout, urinary trouble, stone, gravel, and dropsy. The success of Estora Tablets for the treat- ment of rheumatism and other forms of kidney trouble is due to the fact that they restore the kidneys to healthy action, and thereby remove the cause of the trouble, and hove cured num- berless cases after the failure of other remedies, which accounts for them superseding out-of-date medicines that are sold at a price beyond all but the wealthy. Women frequently suffer from ills, aches, and pains under the impression that they are victims of ailments common to their sex, but more often4 than not it is due to the kidneys, and in such cases Estora Tablets will set them right! The test is at least worth making, as woman's happi- ness and success in life depends on her health. Estora Tablets fully warrant their description --an honest remedy at an. honest price, 1/3 per box of 40 tablets, or six for 6/9. All Chemists or, postage free, from Estora Co., 132, Charing Cross Road, London, W.C. Bargoed and Aberbargoed Age^t—W. PABRY WILLIAMS, M.P.S. ? 
Railway Settlement. *1
Railway Settlement. *1 MR. T. C. MORRIS, E.C. MEMBER, AT WREXHAM. [ A largely attended and enthusiastic meeti ng of railway employees was held at the Pavili 00l) Maesgwyn-road, Wrexham, on Sunday af ter- noon last, under the auspices of the Liver pool and District Council of the National Unic n of Railwaymen. The object of the meeting, v vhidb at the outset was te agitate for an all j .,ound advance of 10s. per week, was somewhat af feoted by the decision announced on Thursday, grant- ing a bonus of 5/- per week, but a res olutiom passed at the close of the meeting p' ,otested strongly against the settlement. The Chairman was Mr. R. M. Riol lards. of Oswestry, vice-president of the Liverp "001 and; District Council, and the principal speakers were Mr, T. C. Morris, chairman of the Rhondda Labour Party, and a meinl )eT of the Executive Committee of the Rai lwaymen's Union; Mr. J. Philpps, Ormskirk; Mr. D. Thomas, secretary North Wales Laho ur Party j' Mr. H. Edwards and Mr. A. Drury, of Wrex- ham. Mr. T. C. Morris gave a stirring address, at the outset of which he referred to the change in the object of the meeting caused by the new settlement, and said that it was fen Je that the agreement had not given satisfactic m through- out the country, but he hoped to explain the matter. He then explained the c( )urse of the railwaymen's wages movement, whi :ch was post- poned at the outbreak of war. There was a movement in the country whic1, aught to em- body the principles of that trii ot ;o far as the- struggles between the forces ofo >ur and capi- tal were concerned. But it ivz, ii truce which was very supple and dangerous, J the workers were in danger of becoming vicL as of that al- liance between employers and en ployees. They had to recognise that there coul d not be any,, true harmony between capital ai ad laboui-I be- cause the generosity and good' 4 reeling of em- ployers had not- shown itself in any magnani- mous way in dealing with labou r conditions of to-day. The speaker went on to e xplain the war bonus of ,ij- to those earning i inder 30/- per week, and 2/- to those oarning t, iver 30/- per week, which was granted to the railwaymen in February, 1915, when food prices had increased, about 19 per cent. Another allVi .-otind bonus of 5 j- was granted in September, 1916, to meet the then increase of 42 per cent. in food prices.. They had now just emerged fro) rn an agitation for an all round increase of 10 on the 1916 agreement, and they had only 1'1 aalised 5/ They had to realise that the power of accepting or re- jecting such agreements- was nc JW not vested in Executive Committees of the I Inion, but in the- annual general meeting. Alt hough a. member of the Executive, be had alw ays contended the advantage of having that pc Jwer vested in the" rank and file, instead of in an executive body.. (Hear, hear.) The annual g cneral meeting was held that week m London, and after several proposals had been laid bef .ore them, a resolu- tion was decided upon by i majority to accept, the agreement of a 5 bon us. They had to re- cognise that they were in 1 che midst of a great. war, and when they put f( trward a demand for an increase before the Rail way Executive Com- mittee a fortnight ago. Sit Robert Walker said, to the men's representatb tres, We have met you this afternoon at th a express wish and ad- vice of the Government, a nd, further, if your de- mand is for a 10/- increa se- in wages, let me tell you here and now, that it ? you are going to press; this demand we might as weM adjourn at the- outset, because the Rail way Executive Commit- tee will give it no oom,ideration at all." Mr. Morris went on to say i oliat railwaymen's labour had been the cheapest on the market, because they themselves had pa ssively submitted to it, and it was only at the pi 'esent moment owing to the stress of economic c ircumstances that they were beginning to realis e the humiliating posi- tion they were in by acqviiescing to low wages- In pre-war days, some thin k like 200,000 railway- men received less than LI, per week He wished:? however, to impress upor J the meeting the fact- that the 5/- that had bee.,n conceded them at the present moment was pa rt of an agreement ar- rived at between the workers' representatives; and the Railway Compf inies, on behalf of all the, members of the Union. They did not- meet as 'r l ie ,v did not meet aL% separate organisations,, and the agreement ap- plied to all—men and wpmen-employml by the Railway Companies. TTiis settlement meant the highest amount that had been conceded to any national organisation of industry in the whole country. About a hulf of the men employed' in the mining industr y had received during the war an increase of 6/ L, and the other half—the South Wales miners luad received something like 12/- or 13/ But IS far as the railwaymen were concerned-not -considering at the moment their pre-war conditions—there had been con- ceded during the war, including the agreement of the past week, an increase- of 15/ The workers had passively acquiesced in Government legislation which had tied their hands down, and placed them virtually under military domina- tion. Let them realise its effect. He was a con- scientious objector against war and against mili- tary service. They had legislative acts—he could not say by the present Government, because, there was no Government in existence—it was a Dictatorship. (Laughter and cheers.) The workers had acquiesced passively—and many of them actively—in all these Acts of Parliament- Military Service', Defence of the Realm, and' Munitions Acts—which had entirely taken away their rights and freedom of action, with the re- sult that a strike was regarded as treason in the midst of a great war. They had to recognise that at the present moment they were respon- sible for the fact that however much they might talk about a strike, and utilising their power as workers, they found that after all their power had been forestalled by those legislative acts that placed them under the control of the Mili- tary Authorities of the country. The power that the Government possessed had been the means of sheltering the profiteering classes, and thus subjected the working classes to the power of that class which insisted upon its pound of flesh despite the dire. necessity of the people. (Lod applause.) The railwaymen wanted, not an crease of wages here and there, but they would demand that the Government should obviate the- necessity of those repeated agitations. The Government had asked for their manhood, and were still asking for their flesh and blood, ana they as workers must ask in exchange that. t e' Government should guarantee them the means of existence of every man, woman and child. (Loud cheers.) Mr. Morris addressed mass meetings at Mold on Saturday night, and Town-hall, Chester, on Sunday night. Mr. Morris will deal with the settlement m our next issue. Printed and published by the National Labour Press, Ltd., at the Labour Pioneer Pres4,. Williams Square, Merthyr Tydfil, v SATURDAY, MAY 12th, 1917.